Root veggies, such as carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, rutabagas, turnips, and squash are naturally sweet and have a rich, creamy texture that babies love. They are an ideal weaning food because of their sweet, delicate flavour and smooth texture when pureed, and are a great source of essential nutrients and vitamins.

Carrots, one of the most common first foods for babies, are rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A) and have a mild, sweet flavour that can be enhanced by spices such as ginger, cumin, and cinnamon.

Butternut squash is easily digested, has a very mild flavour, and rarely causes allergic reactions. It also provides an excellent source of beta-carotene.

Parsnips are a starchy vegetable (a cross between carrots and potatoes) rich in vitamins C and E, and are a great source of dietary fiber.

Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin B6, and a great source of magnesium, potassium, and vitamins C and D. Like most root veggies, they are an excellent source of beta-carotene.

Turnips are very low calorie root vegetables; they contain only 28 calories per 100 grams. However, they are a very good source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber.

Have you tried incorporating root vegetables into your autumn-inspired meals?

Here are some hearty, healthy recipes to try that baby and the entire family will love!

Lisa Codina is a working mom, fitness fanatic, recipe developer, and self-professed foodie. She is the author of Baby Bites: 50 Healthy Recipes for Baby and the Family and the founder of the Blog Bites for Foodies, where she shares clean eating recipes for the family and blogs about daily life with her Italian husband, two mini foodies, and summer vacations in Sardinia, Italy. She prides herself on providing her family with nutritious meals that focus on clean eating (i.e., gluten/dairy/refined sugar-free) that nurture adventurous palates and encourage a healthy lifestyle. You can also find Lisa as Bitesforfoodies on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.